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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Millie located as Act 2 begins?

2. How did Hal lose his money in Nevada?

3. How old is Madge Owens?

4. Why does Madge return to the house?

5. Where does Madge work?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Millie tell Madge about her afternoon with Hal?

2. How does Madge leave her mother's house?

3. Explain the metaphor that the Picasso pictures have in Millie's life.

4. What are Flo's concerns about Millie this afternoon?

5. What is Flo's response as she witnesses the interaction between Hal and Madge?

6. How does Rosemary behave when Howard attempts to leave?

7. Who is Hal and how is he introduced in the scene?

8. What are the circumstances that let Madge and Hal alone?

9. What does Madge dream of when she hears the train whistle in the distance?

10. Which characters live in the two homes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

There is much symbolism in this story regarding the train whistles. What do the train whistles symbolize for Madge and Millie? What do they ultimately symbolize for Flo?

Essay Topic 3

PICNIC is set in the 1950s during a time of economic boom but sexual repression. What impact did these two factors have on the author? What impact did these factors have on his work, especially the PICNIC? Explain.

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